1960 Austin A 55 vs. 1998 Saab 900i
To start off, 1998 Saab 900i is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Saab 900i is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Saab 900i (126 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Saab 900i should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 900i weights approximately 173 kg more than 1960 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Austin A 55 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1960 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Saab 900i, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Saab 900i (170 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1998 Saab 900i will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 55 | 1998 Saab 900i | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | A 55 | 900i |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
